Heavenly Notes & Carolings

As Christmas time approaches, life in Athens tends towards the surreal. Since Thanksgiving, the tempretures here have hovered in the mid-70s. It's term's end at the University of Georgia and students flock to outdoor cafes, bars and other venues in shorts & tees, toasting the holidays (tanning themselves) they'll soon be spending elsewhere. Red's simply the color of Hairy Dawg, not especially of Santa Claus.


In short, the past few weeks feel like nothing more nor less than Spring Break.
Even at the Roushanzamir home [as you can see in the shot above], a certain pall has fallen as I try rather unsuccessfully to cold shoulder the UGA mascot.

Haplessly, if not hopelessly, I look to Mama for guidance.

Her suggestion: "Dance! Sing! praisefully & joyfully," she said, "start Carolling."

From the depths of my spring break in December malaise, I assumed she'd lost her marbles. [It has been know to happen.] However, "what is carolling?," I asked.

Mama, ever the teacher [lecturer], began to explain:

"Historically Carols were simply stories intoned at various times of year to help explain and celebrate cyclical occurances (harvests, planting-times, etc.); in 129 AD, "The Angle Hymn" was sung in a Christmas service in Rome. It was the 13th century innovation of St. Francis Assisi (beloved as Patron Saint of Animals) to encourage Christian carolling in folks' indigenous languages (previously Latin had been the unpopular choice of carol language).

Carols were initially performed by professionals, "Waits," but latterly singing Christmas carols hearalded the beginnings of the holiday season for Christians throughout the world, in their homes, churches and public gatherings. And today, for all who enjoy the annual rush & confusion of the last month of the year, from musac to High Mass, the Christmas carol provides a lovely excuse to make joyful noise," said Mama.

"Mercury, my pretty precious beauty [this is how Mama speaks of me always], sing out & make a gladsome noise. Click HERE and HERE and HERE! And follow the tunes & lyrics and Sing out Loud!," thus spake Mama.

And perhaps she spoke prophetically and wisely for the Christmas spirit entered the Roushanzamir home, wintery weather descended and the warmth of shared good times worked their magic.

I find I'm partial to "Good King Wenceslas." This carol tells a 1000-year-old story about the King of Bohemia who, viewing impoverished peasants from his castle tower, was moved to bring them food and wood. It is said, however, that the real (or more historically accurate) story of King Wenceslas is rather gory! Click HERE for both versions, i.e. the carol and the history.

And now dear friends & loyal fans, please enter into my tuneful mood by replying to this entry with the title, and any other information you care to impart, of your own favorite holiday carol.